Modric signs new four-year deal at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have announced midfielder Luka Modric has signed a new four-year deal at the Spanish club.

Madrid confirmed the news via a short statement on their website and Twitter account.

[JAMES SCORES BUT ATLETI HOLD REAL MADRID]

Modric, 28, signed for Madrid from Tottenham in 2012 and last season PLAYED a key role in their successful Champions League and Copa del Rey campaigns.

Real Madrid await tests on Ronaldo back injury

He was substituted at half-time in Tuesday's first leg at the Bernabeu Stadium, which finished in a 1-1 draw.

[RODRIGUEZ SCORES BUT REAL HELD BY ATLETICO IN SUPER COPA]

Ronaldo's replacement, the new signing from Monaco James Rodriguez, put the European champions ahead with his first goal for the club but Raul Garcia equalised.

"Cristiano felt something and was uncomfortable," Real's manager Carlo Ancelotti told reporters. "We'll evaluate it. He'll undergo all the checks and we'll see. It doesn't seem to be anything too serious."

Ancelotti's team, who have already won the European Super Cup by beating La Liga rivals Sevilla, continue a busy start to the season by PLAYING their first league match against Cordoba on Monday.

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Barca take fight to CAS as FIFA upholds transfer ban

Barcelona have also been fined 450,000 Swiss francs (£297,000) after being punished for "breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18."

A FIFA investigation found Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation were guilty of a "serious" infringement of rules regarding the signing of youth players in the case of 10 members of their academy. As part of the decision they have been given 90 days to rectify the situations of all the minor players involved.

The club have already confirmed they will appeal against the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the last avenue of legal recourse.

Barcelona's club statement said: "Following the resolution announced today by the FIFA Appeals Committee on violations of regulations regarding the transfer and registration of children aged under 18 years, FC Barcelonaannounces that it shall continue defending its interests before the highest sporting authority, in this case the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

"FC Barcelona may not in any way share a resolution that is an affront to the spirit of our Masia, a world renowned example of academic, human and sporting education."

What next for Barcelona?

Barcelona received a major blow when their appeal against a two window transfer ban was rejected by FIFA.

The Catalans are taking the fight to CAS, in the hope it will be reduced to just one window, but it’s not looking good for them. As it stands, from September 1 they cannot work the transfer market until January 2016.

[BARCA LOOK TO CAS AFTER BAN CONFIRMED]

At least they got most of their short-term business out of the way – Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic,Thomas Vermaelen, Jeremy Mathieu and two goalkeepers (Marc Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo) fill the obvious holes in the squad.

They will be fine for this season – but what about the next couple of years?

Conte ready to carve out his Italy vision

Ten years on from the end of his playing career, Antonio Conte is set to take over as coach of the Italian national team. The 45-year-old will be officially unveiled on Tuesday as the new Condottiereof the Italian game, combining his position at the helm of La Nazionale with a role in charge of Italy's various youth sides. 

Conte will take over from Cesare Prandelli, who resigned from the post after Italy were dumped out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ at the first hurdle. In need of a new challenge after leading Juventus to a trio of Serie A titles during his three-year reign, the new coach has signed a two-year deal which will keep him installed until UEFA EURO 2016 – his declared aim.

Originally hailing from the southern town of Lecce in Puglia, Conte is more commonly associated with Turin, having represented Juve 412 times over the space of 12 seasons between 1992 and 2004, including five as captain. A solid, hardworking midfielder with a forthright personality, he collected a long list of honours during his time at the club, including a UEFA Champions League title, the UEFA Cup, five Scudettos and a Coppa Italia. He helped spur his side on to those triumphs with his total commitment from the first minute to the last, as well as his passion and tenacity, qualities that have also served him well since he took up coaching. 

Conte's overwhelming hunger to win was evident during his first assignment as a coach with Serie B outfit Arezzo in 2006. He was sacked on 31 October 2006 after his first nine games yielded five draws and four defeats, but he was promptly recalled by the struggling side the following March. Having learned valuable lessons during his initial stint, Conte amassed 24 points from Arezzo's last ten games of the season. Subsequent spells at Bari, Bergamo, Atalanta and Siena then steeled him with even more experience, until he was ready for a return to the club closest to his heart.

With their former stalwart commanding the dugout, Juventus regained their lustre of old. Conte spent three years leading La Vecchia Signora, and during that time the club reigned supreme in Serie A, recording 102 wins, 34 draws and just 15 defeats in 151 games. That brought them three consecutive league titles, so there was more than a little surprise when the man behind their triumphs opted to step down, citing a desire to begin a new adventure beyond the domestic realm. 

Broad range of powers
Where that desire might take him began to look a little clearer following Prandelli's departure in the wake of Italy's unsuccessful Brazilian campaign. Indeed, Carlo Tavecchio quickly made contact after being appointed President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and Conte laid down a set of clear conditions. Above all, he asked to be able to oversee La Nazionale much as he would a club side, while requesting a broad range of powers. Those included oversight of all of Italy's national sides, freedom from outside interference in team affairs, the liberty to choose his own backroom staff and the right to lay down a severe but fair code of ethics – all in keeping with Conte's reputation as a tireless worker who enjoys full control.

In addition, Conte has asked for the possibility to organise training camps throughout the year, a key reminder that the national team should be considered at least as important as Italy's club sides. He is adamant too that La Nazionale should not be treated as a springboard for promising youngsters, feeling strongly that any player representing his country needs to be ready to slip on the Azzurri shirt – whether they are 20 or 35. Valuing performance as his top priority, Conte puts little STOCK in age considerations. Lastly, he came to a quick understanding with the FIGC on the issue of salary, and he becomes the second highest paid international coach in world football, behind compatriot and Russia boss Fabio Capello.

Conte takes over a side reeling from a pair of under-par World Cup bids, though Italy are not ready to renounce all the progress made under Prandelli, who boosted hopes at EURO 2012. All the same,La Nazionale will surely profit from a stern leader with a wide-ranging remit as they vie to reinvigorate their fortunes since winning the world title in 2006. Conte will be officially presented on Tuesday but he has already been given a stamp of approval by Italy legends Dino Zoff and Paolo Maldini, who have both hailed the new man as "perfect for La Nazionale."

Clubs make final moves as new season approaches

With just two weeks to go until the transfer window closes, FIFA runs the rule over the most noteworthy signings completed over the past two weeks.

The big-money dealsAt the end of his contract with Ligue 2-bound Ajaccio, Mexico international goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was not short on suitors after his efforts at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, where a fine performance in his country’s scoreless draw with Brazil catapulted him into the global spotlight.

On the lookout for a shot-stopper following the departure of Argentinian custodian Willy Caballero for Manchester City, Malaga finally won the race, acquiring the Guadalajara native’s services for the next three seasons.

Another ’keeper whose STOCK rose remarkably at Brazil 2014 was Keylor Navas. The Costa Rica No1 played a huge part in Los Ticos’ surprise run to the quarter-finals, piquing the interest of Real Madrid, who subsequently temped him to make the move west from Valencia-based Levante.

Navas’ arrival at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu also had the additional knock-on effect of persuading Diego Lopez to swap Los Blancos for AC Milan.

The World Cup effectNavas and Ochoa are not the only players to secure a move off the back of a successful summer in South America. Centre-back Shkodran Mustafi, part of the German squad that emerged victorious at the tournament, has left Sampdoria for Valencia, while French winger Mathieu Valbuena has opted to try his luck further afield, moving to Dinamo Moscow from Marseille.

Pepe Reina, who spent last term on loan to Napoli from Liverpool and who made one appearance in Brazil, has put pen to paper with Bayern Munich, where he will be faced with the mountainous task of challenging adidas Golden Glove award recipient Manuel Neuer for the No1 jersey.

Of the other 736 players who starred on football’s greatest stage, Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen has been transferred to Barcelona from Arsenal, Chilean centre-half Gary Medel has signed for Inter Milan from Cardiff City, and Mexican forward Raul Jimenez has exported his goalscoring talents to Atletico Madrid from Club America.

Other high-profile moves include that of Ghanaian wide man Christian Atsu from Chelsea to Everton on a season-long loan, and Colombian international Pablo Armero from Udinese to AC Milan. The pacey left-back had already spent half of the previous campaign on loan at West Ham United. Armero's Colombian team-mate Carlos Sanchez also switched clubs, agreeing to join Aston Villa from SPANISH side Elche.

The stat
8 – The number of players brought in by Liverpool since the opening of the transfer window. Keen to plug the gap left by the exit of Luis Suarez, who will defend the colours of Barcelona this coming season, the Reds have been considerably active in the market.

Recent acquisitions include Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo from Sevilla and Atletico Madrid respectively, while Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren and Divock Origi had all previously committed themselves to the Anfield club.

The globetrotterFrench outfit Rennes have announced the arrival of Swiss international Gelson Fernandes, who spent last season in the Bundesliga with Freiburg. The 27-year-old appeared at the last two World Cups with La Nati, scoring the winning goal against eventual winners Spain in the group phase of South Africa 2010.

Although the Cape Verde-born defensive midfielder has agreed to a four-year deal with the Breton team, he has rarely remained in one place for longer than a season, his stay at Manchester City between 2007 and 2009 being the exception to the rule. Rennes will be his eighth different club in four years.

Back to their roots
“This is my home, a place where I feel comfortable and where I learned my football,” said Robinhoupon his return to Santos, with whom he turned professional in 2002. The skilful Brazilian, loaned out by AC Milan for one year, had plied his TRADE in Italy since 2010, having previously pulled on the jerseys of Real Madrid and Manchester City.

His compatriot Michel Bastos has also gone back to Brazil, joining Sao Paulo eight years after leaving the country for Europe, where he performed admirably for Lille, Lyon, Schalke and Roma.

Another player returning to his origins is Belgian Steven Defour. The 26-year-old former Standard Liege midfielder, who boasts 44 caps for Les Diables Rouges, has signed a five-year contract with Anderlecht, following a three-year spell with Porto.

Frank Lampard, meanwhile, has embarked on a more calculated homecoming: a few days after coming to an agreement with newly formed MLS side New York City FC, he was promptly loaned out to Manchester City for MATCH practice.

“Frank will start WORKING with New York in January, as the season starts in March. From next Wednesday he will start training with us and will play for us until then,” explained his new coach, Manuel Pellegrini.

Heading in the opposite direction is Mexican centre-back Rafael Marquez. While not returning to his roots as such, the robust 35-year-old has retraced his steps to Europe, where he spent the majority of his career.

The ex-Monaco and Barcelona star will spend this upcoming campaign attempting to shore up the defence of Serie A outfit Hellas Verona, having enjoyed tremendous recent success at Leon, where he earned two Mexican League winners’ medals. Marquez also played for New York Red Bulls between 2010 and 2012.

Player to WATCHManchester City have captured French international Eliaquim Mangala from Porto for a record transfer fee of €53m. At that price, the confident defender, who was included in Didier Deschamps’ 23-man World Cup squad but was not given any playing time during the competition, is likely to be put under an intense spotlight by English fans and media alike.

What they said“I haven’t yet decided what’s best for me, but I would like to keep playing, as it’s my passion. I know that I won’t be able to last 90 minutes, but I still think that I’m in good enough shape to manage one more year,” Alessandro Del Piero, on the hunt for new employers.

English clubs welcome Brazil 2014 stars

Stars were born, reputations forged and there were plenty of life-changing moments during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. Some of those who shone have moved on to pastures new, and the English Premier League gets underway this weekend with a host of fresh faces on the sidelines and out on the pitch.

Diego Costa, Chelsea (made World Cup debut for Spain)After an outstanding season for Atletico Madrid domestically and in Europe, it was not a happy step up to the global stage for Costa, as the holders crashed out at the group stage. Spain’s No19 had already agreed a move to Chelsea at the beginning of July, but the transfer was officially finalised days after Spain were dethroned following Germany’s win at the Maracana. The former Atleti player will have some familiar faces at Stamford Bridge, with Filipe Luis also making the switch from the Vicente Calderon and fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas arriving from Barcelona. The Blues begin their Premier League campaign against two newly-promoted sides, facing Burnley on Monday 18 August before their opening home MATCH against Leicester City the following Saturday. With those teams finding their feet, Costa will be hoping to have a similarly swift start to 2014/15 as he did to 2013/14, when he grabbed ten goals in the opening eight SPANISH La Liga fixtures.

“Everybody knows it is a big club in a very competitive league, and I am very excited to get started inEngland with a fantastic coach and team-mates.”

Frank Lampard, Manchester City (became one of few Englishmen to play ten World Cup games)The aforementioned Fabregas will be looking to fill the void left by a Chelsea legend, who moved on to Manchester after Brazil, via New York. Lampard played once at Brazil 2014, as England failed to progress from the first round of a World Cup for the first time since 1958. Chelsea’s record goalscorer announced his intention to leave Chelsea in early June and he became New York City FC’s second marquee signing, after David Villa, as the new MLS side displayed their intentions to make an impact in the USA. With the team not due to begin playing in the league until 2015, the 36-year-old shocked many in his homeland by swapping dark blue for a lighter shade as the Premier League champions announced his arrival on a loan deal from their sister outfit. Lampard is joined at the Etihad Stadium by two Frenchman who also TRAVELLED to Brazil, Eliaquim Mangala and Bacary Sagna, who move from Porto and Arsenal respectively. City have a tough start to their title defence, beginning at Newcastle United before facing Liverpool and Arsenal in their opening games. It is the Citizens’ fifth league game that will surely draw attention though, as they host Chelsea at Eastlands in late September.

“Joining up with Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me. This is a new chapter of my career. I'm looking forward to making a contribution for Manchester City ahead of my move over to New York."

Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal (scored twice as Chile reached the knockout stages)Manuel Pellegrini will be looking for ways to counteract a countryman early on in their Premier League title defence, as City’s Community Shield conquerors now have a red hot Chilean among their number. Sanchez shone for Chile as their exciting brand of attacking football put paid to Spain’s title defence, playing a part in both goals as the holders were dumped out of the World Cup at the Maracana. Despite doubling his personal tally at Brazil 2014 by scoring La Roja’s equaliser in their Round of 16 game against the hosts, the then Barça frontman saw a penalty saved in the shoot-out as the South Americans went out. Two weeks later, Sanchez had agreed to wear red domestically, signing for Arsenal on a long term contract. Colombia’s star stopper David Ospina and France full-back Mathieu Debuchy join Sanchez at the Emirates Stadium after impressing in Brazil, and they begin their campaign at home against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Gunners announced their intention as genuine title contenders with that impressive win against City at Wembley and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be hoping Sanchez makes the difference for a side that led the table for a large chunk of the 2013/14 season, but came up short.

“I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium.”

Enner Valencia, West Ham United (scored three goals in three games for Ecuador)Ecuador may not have made it out of the group stages at Brazil 2014, but their forward Enner Valencia certainly made a name for himself. The No13 proved a predatory finisher, with a header in his side’s opening defeat against Switzerland followed up by a close range effort and another headed goal in his team’s come-from-behind victory against Honduras. His performances saw West Ham battle off competition for his signature, securing the forward on a five-year contract after the World Cup’s conclusion. The South American is still WORKING towards full fitness after Brazil and will hope to make his Premier League bow before the end of August. He will have a good chance to bed in at Upton Park, as the Hammers play just one of last season’s top five in their opening eight games.

“After the World Cup, several things came along and lots of different clubs. But when West Ham were interested in me, I said yes, definitely, because it's one of my dreams, one of my goals to play in the Premier League.”

Louis van Gaal, Manchester United (led Netherlands to third place)Ahead of Brazil 2014, Group B looked a daunting prospect for the Dutch. Despite finishing top of their group in European qualifying, the Netherlands were billed as the UNDERDOG in their opening game against Spain, a battle of the 2010 finalists. They proved any doubters wrong by coming from behind to demolish the holders 5-1. Van Gaal’s intuitive tactical system was a revolution throughout the tournament, with three central defenders and flying wing-backs complemented by a lethal frontline and creative midfield. The Dutchman was confirmed as David Moyes’s permanent successor in May before he led the Netherlands to third place by seeing off the hosts in Van Gaal’s final game in charge. The former Barcelona and Ajax coach has rung the changes at Old Trafford, bringing in Luke Shaw from Southampton, who played a part in England’s Brazil 2014 campaign, as well as SPANISH midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao. Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have all departed in a revolution for the red half of Manchester. Swansea City visit Old Trafford in the first game of the Premier League season on Saturday, with Van Gaal’s first big test against a team from last season’s top four coming against old friend Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea at the end of October.

“The fans expect a lot and you can't change everything in three or four weeks and the players can't change either. We have to wait and see and develop. We need time.”

Premier League: Sunderland's Jack Rodwell glad Manchester City career is over

Jack Rodwell has admitted his time at Manchester City was “difficult and disappointing” and is relieved to have signed for Sunderland.

The 23-year-old England international joined the north-east club on a five-year deal earlier this week following two years at City during which he made just 16 first-team appearances.

Rodwell was considered one of England’s brightest prospects after impressing at boyhood club Everton and the midfielder hopes to recapture his best form.

“I started pre-season with Man City but always thought I should be signing for someone else,” he said.

“It’s been difficult. I struggled with injuries in the first season and didn’t have much playing time in the second.

“It was a great experience and a learning curve but disappointing at the same time. I wanted to play every week there but it didn’t work out like that unfortunately.

“But that’s football, you have to get on with it, and it’s a new chapter now and I’m glad to finally get the deal over the line and crack on.

“I can’t wait to start at Sunderland now. Hopefully I can get the minutes on the pitch and play week-in, week-out.”

Premier League: Jose Fonte signs new contract with Southampton

Southampton defender Jose Fonte has signed a new three-year contract with the club which will keep him at St Mary’s until 2017.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman has also confirmed that the 30-year-old Portuguese centre-back will be his new captain.

"We are very happy because we like to keep the good players and the experienced players," Koeman said.

"Jose is the captain for this season on the field. We have another captain of the club - Kelvin Davis - but Jose is the captain on the pitch.

"I am very pleased about his new contract, which shows our ambition and the philosophy of the club and I am happy about that."                 

Fonte, who started his career with Benfica, joined Southampton from Crystal Palace for £800,000 in January 2010 and has since made 182 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals.

He said: "I'm very excited to be signing this new contract for another three years. This is where I feel at home.

"I've been very successful at this club so it was an easy decision.

"What made me sign was first we signed a very good manager, second, the fans have been great for me - they love me and I have a good relationship with them.

"And third we have a lot of quality in the team and we will try to do even better than last season if we can."

Armand enjoying game time

Chesterfield striker Armand Gnanduillet knows he is benefiting from playing regular first-team football.

Gnanduillet has been showing signs during the summer of realising his potential. He remains something of a rough diamond but under the tutelage of manager Paul Cook and his coaching staff he has improved significantly since his arrival at the club in January 2013.

The 22-year-old, who contributed six goals in 39 appearances as the Spireites lifted the League Two title last season, has enjoyed a productive pre-season with some good performances in Chesterfield's friendly matches - most notably scoring a first-half hat-trick at Alfreton.

He feels the run of games has been good for his confidence, telling Press Association Sport: "I feel better than this time last year, because I have played.

"I am sharp, I am ready for the reason, I am ready to start, and I am ready to do well - there is no reason why I can't do well.

"Pre-season is behind us now and it is important we look forward and focus on the league. I am confident because of the summer (I have had) but I know I must carry that form into the season - when it really matters.

"Hopefully I can get into double figures for goals, but first of all I am focussed on getting in the team regularly."

Chesterfield begin life back in League One with a trip to last season's play-off finalists Leyton Orient.

There are not many tougher assignments on the opening day, but Gnanduillet feels playing one of the division's fancied teams early on could work in the Spireites' favour.

"Leyton Orient is a club I knew from when I was in France," he said. "It will be tough, they are a good team with good players but I also think we are good enough.

"When we play a higher team, like Leeds and Aston Villa in pre-season, we seem to look sharper and better whereas against lower teams sometimes we are not that good.

"So it is better for us to start against Leyton Orient because they are one the better teams. However, we should not be scared of them and we must play our football because that way we will have a good chance."

Eredivisie: FC Twente manager looking to replicate success of Steve McClaren

New FC Twente manager Alfred Schreuder is looking replicate the success achieved during Steve McClaren’s tenure at the club.

Schreuder, who was McClaren’s assistant during his spell, was appointed manager this summer and insists the now Derby manager put the Enschede side on the footballing map.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Schreuder explained the influence McClaren had on proceedings at Twente.

He said: “Everybody learnt so much from Steve here in Holland.  He got I think the winning mentality in Twente because it was never achieved what he did.

“I was there when I was his assistant and we were very lucky that he was here to work with him because you could see that he came from Man United and that it was all about winning.”

Twente, who finished eight points off champions Ajax last season, were the only side to remain unbeaten at home in the Eredivisie last term and Schreuder believes if this form can carry into this year’s campaign then nothing can prevent the team from to scaling the heights seen under McClaren.

“It’s always our ambition to be champions and I think that’s what you should do every game, play to win.

“Everything is possible but it’s difficult. I think you’ve got to look at it game to game and that’s what we try to get in the youngsters heads - you play to win and that’s what we want to see.”

Twente will be without their top scorer from last season after Dusan Tadic was snapped up by Southampton, completing a £10m move to St Mary’s in July.

However, Twente moved quickly to replace the Serbian bringing in striker Kasper Kusk from Aalborg, before a potential move the Premier League materialised and manager Schreuder is expecting big things of his new signing as they kick off the season against Cambuur Leeuwar on Saturday.

“I expect a lot Kusk. We bought him after Dusan left. He can play on the right and he can play number ten,” he said.

“He has to develop in strength and power but he needs games at a higher level and I think he made the right step coming to us.

“We can expect assists and goal from him and then he will be prepared, hopefully, in a few years to make another step again.

Schreuder went on to explain that he accepts that players in Dutch football may be poached by bigger clubs in the Premier League.

“Yeah that is normal in football in Holland we know that’s how we  are we don’t bother we don’t care it’s okay for us.”